Record number expected at graduation event May 6

Published or Revised April 26, 2005

A record number of more than 400 candidates have applied for graduation on May 6 at Paris Junior College. Commencement exercises will begin at 8 p.m. in the Hunt Center on the PJC campus. The growing number of graduation candidates and attendance to the ceremonies has made it necessary for college officials to issue tickets to candidates and establish an overflow viewing area for family and friends to see the graduates receive their diplomas. Rita Tapp, coordinator of student records, said that when graduates pick up their caps and gowns, they would be given five tickets for family and friends to be seated in the Hunt Center if they applied for graduation before the March 10 deadline. If extra tickets remain after issuing regalia, they will be made available on Friday, May 6, in the president's office. Graduates can call 903-782-0330 or go by the office to check on the availability of the tickets. The overflow audience for graduation will assemble in room 1206 of the Applied Technologies Building across from the main campus. In this large conference room, a live broadcast of the commencement proceedings will be shown on large-screen televisions. Entrance to the conference room is on the west side of the building. Ample parking is available. Sandra Caldwell, named the 2005 Master Teacher at PJC, will be the keynote speaker at graduation. Caldwell is mathematics coordinator and instructor. In addition, a graduate will be awarded the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding academic, campus and community accomplishments while attending PJC. At the conclusion of the ceremonies, a reception for all graduates, their family and friends will be held in the Student Center Ballroom.